[Theological-ethical theses of organ transplantation].

Abstract

The message of the resurrection from the dead is meant to human beings living and dying in the unity of body and soul. The personality of man is unseparably connected with this unity--even beyond the death. The brain death only marks a (decisive) point during the process of dying, but the brain death cannot be defined as the death of a human being (in general). Theological ethics object to this definition and to a new dualism of brain and body as well as of body and personality (resp. soul), because this dualism socializes the organs of individuals and denies the personal dignity of disappearing life. Therefore the explantation of organs must depend on a personal declaration of consent given by the adult sponsor himself. And each information given on organ transplants must clarify that the explantation of organs means an interruption of dying.